Duterte prefers gov't-to-gov't deal for COVID-19 vaccines

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte expressed preference for a government-to-government deal over direct negotiations with private entities or manufacturers for procuring COVID-19 vaccines.

Duterte emphasized that a government-to-government transaction would prevent corruption and asked Health Secretary Francisco Duque III to prioritize this arrangement.

The President also offered China a government-to-government agreement, expressing confidence in the Chinese government's willingness to assist the Philippines with vaccine procurement.